Suicide of Gloucester student prompts media scrutiny

Amid media reports that a Gloucester High School student's suicide is attributed to bullying, Gloucester Schools Superintendent Ben Kiser released a statement Tuesday saying he has no information to substantiate the claim.

Elizabeth Nicole "Lizzie" Evans, 16, took her own life Thursday evening. Her father, Michael Evans, told WAVY that Evans had been punched, put in lockers, stuffed in trash cans and tripped going down the hallways.

Michael Evans also said he went to Gloucester High School staff and nothing was done.

In response to a media inquiry, Kiser said in an email that he is "not able to respond to specifics regarding Elizabeth Nicole Evans but I do not have information that would substantiate the claim in question."

Kiser said it is always tragic when a young person's life is ended and his or her aspirations and dreams are not fulfilled.

"Our hearts and prayers are with the Evans family members and friends as they grieve and search for answers," Kiser said. "Elizabeth Nicole Evans was a family member of Gloucester High School and her teachers and peers are also struggling with her death."

Assistant Superintendent of Instruction Chuck Wagner said in a phone interview that school officials take reports or accusations of bullying very seriously.

"And we address those concerns as soon as they are raised," Wagner said.

Gloucester Sheriff Darrell Warren said his office had not received a claim of bullying of the girl to investigate.

Warren also said the high school has an "AnComm" system -- anonymous communication -- for students to send information anonymously online or by text, or phone, to avoid the stigma that may be attached to speaking to school administrators or resource officers.

Whether it's concerns over a friend, reporting rumors of a firearm being brought to campus, or other issues, Warren said the system is available for students.

"There's simple ways of reaching out if they're being bullied," Warren said.

"We've had kids say a friend was talking about committing suicide," Warren said. "Our school resource officers, with the support of our deputies, will go out in the middle of the night."